A bill titled “Civics Secures Democracy Act” has been introduced by two Senators, one form each party. The $1,000,000,000 act is intended to provide funding for an improved education of our future voters and leaders. Aside from the incursion of the federal government into what has been local control, the idea of bolstering civics education is a good one. The rub comes from what exactly constitutes “civics education”. Here’s one take.
No education can begin on supposition and opinion. Our founding is thoroughly documented. It includes the Federalist Papers, and recorded recounting of the many arguments, pro and con on how the USA came to be. The issues included (but not limited to) a central versus federal form of government, the powers of the executive, taxes, role of religion, and yes, slavery. While it is in vogue by many on the left to ignore and even erase history, it is all there for our students to see, discuss and debate. The issues remain and the arguments nearly identical. Good points can be made on every angle of these topics. Please have at it!
Why did we choose to have states? What is the role of the federal government versus those of the states? Why was slavery allowed to continue for a period even though it was seen as an anathema to our principles? How did we come to codify those principles in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution? What were the pros and cons of these two earth shattering documents and why were they so profound not just for America, but for the rest of the world? Are these documents to be interpreted as is or in the context of today’s mores? And on and on and on…. How rich a course is that?
These and so many other relevant topics are not only a way to teach our history but also, current news. They can be used to teach how to research facts and discern between them and analysis/opinion. They can be used to learn how to think critically for yourself and develop and defend your own opinion. Teaching these would serve to underscore the very principles spelled out so eloquently in the two of the most important documents ever written. It would help elucidate for the students why so many people continue to flock to our shores despite the current rhetoric being spewed that we are a failed nation. It may actually make citizens of our children.
Current Day Publius 